As reported by MSNBC, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has announced a budget cuts package–including $20 million in state aid to the University of Minnesota–to address the state budget deficit. The budget deficit is at $426 million for the rest of the current biennium, then projected to be at $4.8 billion for the 2010-2011 biennium. The state constitution requires a balanced buget, making Pawlenty’s cuts all the more crucial and challenging. A $20 million dollar cut will also be made to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Additional cuts will come from aid to cities and counties, and from government agencies. Check mndaily.com for more local political coverage.